Abstract: An electrostatic coating device is provided with a housing, which has a cascade housing section that houses a cascade, and a motor housing section that houses an air motor. A clearance between the cascade and the inner wall of a first housing hole forms a first air flow passage. Furthermore, an annular clearance between the air motor (specifically, an air turbine) and the inner wall of a motor chamber forms a second air flow passage. The first air flow passage and the second air flow passage are communicated with each other via, for instance, a third air flow passage that includes a first communication passage, a circular recessed section, a second communication passage, and a third communication passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an electrostatic atomizer for liquids, the atomizer comprising a liquid tank and a delivery device for liquid from the liquid tank, a high-voltage source and also at least one atomizer nozzle for the atomization of liquid, the at least one atomizer nozzle being connected to the high-voltage source. Here, the voltage and/or the current intensity at at least one of the atomizer nozzles are detected by sensors of control electronics and/or the voltage and/or the current intensity at the high-voltage source are detected by sensors of the control electronics.

Abstract: A method of creating aerosols includes drawing a fluid from a fluid source through a first nip, the first nip defined between a first roller and an inner surface of a ring, the first nip having an upstream side and a downstream side, drawing the fluid from the fluid source through a second nip, the second nip defined between a second roller and the inner surface of the ring, the second roller positioned adjacent to and spaced apart from the first roller in a circular configuration, the second nip having an upstream side and a downstream side, stretching the fluid between diverging surfaces of the first roller and the inner surface of the ring on the downstream side of the first nip to form a first fluid filament, stretching the fluid between diverging surface of the second roller and the inner surface of the ring on the downstream side of the second nip to form a second fluid filament, causing the first fluid filament to break into a plurality of first droplets, and causing the second fluid filament to break

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing, repairing and/or replacing a component, particularly an aircraft component, by means of a powder that can be solidified by energy radiation of an energy radiation source, characterized in that the device comprises an application unit that is designed such that the powder can be applied onto an uneven surface by means of the application unit.

Abstract: An electrostatic coating device that can suppress the arising of corrosion in insulating members and the like surrounding coating material supply and discharge paths because of leakage arising between the paths. An electrostatic coating device is characterized by being provided with: a body part; a head part; a linking part that links the body part and the head part; a coating material path that is a first path disposed from the body part to the head part, wherein a high-voltage is applied along with the coating material (first fluid) being fed; a washing fluid path that is a second path disposed from the body part to the head part, wherein a washing fluid (second fluid) is fed along with a connection to a ground; and a displacement part for displacing all or part of air retained between the coating material path and a washing fluid path with new air.

Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer (100) includes a spray electrode (1), a reference electrode (2), a control circuit (24) for controlling a value of a current at the reference electrode (2), and a high-voltage generator (22) for applying a voltage between the spray electrode (1) and the reference electrode (2). The control circuit (24) controls the value of the current at the reference electrode (2) so that the value of this current can be higher than a spray current corresponding to a prescribed spray amount of a substance.

Abstract: A charged powder supply device is disclosed. A plurality of charged powder particles are disposed on an upper side of a carrier and at least an action source is positioned at a lower side of the carrier for acting on the carrier so as to vibrate the charged powder particles on the upper side of the carrier. As such, the vibrated charged powder particles are attached to objects to be coated, such as LEDs, under the effect of an electric field so as to form a powder layer, such as a phosphor layer. Since there are no other external forces that affect the moving direction of the charged powder particles, the powder layer can be uniformly formed on the objects.

Abstract: A system for treating surfaces of objects, in particular for painting objects, in particular vehicle body parts, comprising a treatment booth, which defines a treatment space. The objects are conveyed into and back out of the treatment space by means of a conveying device. The conveying device comprises a conveying element, by means of which a first surface having a first retaining device for at least one object and at least one second surface having a second retaining device for at least one object are provided. The first and the second surface are arranged in such a way that the first or the second surface bounds the treatment space at least in some areas depending on the position of the conveying element.

Abstract: A reaction material formed body into which a reaction material reacting with a reaction medium to store or release heat is formed includes first and second opposite surfaces and multiple heat transfer enhancing members extending at least from the first surface to the second surface. At least two or more of the heat transfer enhancing members are oriented in a predetermined single direction.

Abstract: A three-dimensional digital microfluidic system comprises a first plate with a first electrode, a second plate with a second electrode, and a microfluidic drop in between the first and the second electrode. The electrodes are able to be actuated in sequence such that the microfluidic drop is able to be transported. A bridge plate is able to be included.

Abstract: In rotary coating apparatus for coating a substrate, the apparatus includes a rotatable bell cup coating applicator affixed to the distal end of a rotatable drive shaft driven by a turbine, and including a source of supply of suitable coating material, a source of pressurized air for driving the turbine, a second source of pressurized air for creating and directing a curtain of air circumferentially and externally about the bell cup to shape and control the diameter and pattern of the coating material applied to the substrate. More specifically, the apparatus includes multiple air channels formed therein and through the apparatus through which the drive air and the shaping air are conveyed to and through the turbine to (1) drive the turbine and (2) to control the shape and pattern of the applied coating.

Abstract: A device for production of nanofibers through electrostatic spinning of the liquid matrix in electrostatic field between at least one spinning electrode and a collecting electrode positioned opposite thereto, while the spinning electrode contains at least one spinning member containing the cord, which comprises a straight section which is parallel with a plane of depositing the nanofibers and/or with the collecting electrode and it forms an active spinning zone of the cord. The cord of the spinning member is stationary or is displaceable in a direction of its length or is movable in a direction of its length either discontinuously or continuously and to the cord there is assigned a device for application of the liquid matrix on the cord in a direction of length of the cord.

Abstract: A rotary atomizing head (4) is mounted on a front end side of an air motor (3). A shaping air ring (9) with air spout holes (10, 11) formed therein is provided on the rear side of the rotary atomizing head (4). The shaping air ring (9) is formed of a conductive material and is connected to ground. External electrode units (13) are provided in the periphery of the rotary atomizing head (4). A film cover (17) made of an insulating material is provided to cover an outer peripheral side of the air motor (3). A semi conductive member (21) is replaceably mounted to an adaptor (16) provided on an outer peripheral side of the shaping air ring (9). A rear end part (21B) of the semi conductive member (21) is made in contact with a front end part (19D) of the film cover (17). A front end part (21C) of the semi conductive member (21) is made in contact with the shaping air ring (9).

Abstract: A rotary atomizing head (4) is mounted on a fore end side of a motor (3). A shaping air ring (9) having a plurality of air outlet holes (10) at fixed intervals is provided on a rear side of the rotary atomizing head (4). Outer surfaces of the air motor (3) and outer surfaces of the shaping air ring (9) are enshrouded over the entire circumference by a cover member (7) formed of an electrically insulating material. An external electrode assembly (13) is provided radially outwardly of the cover member (7). An annular projecting portion (16) which projects forward is provided on the shaping air ring (9) over the entire circumference. The air outlet holes (10) are open in a fore distal end of this annular projecting portion (16). As a result, a corona discharge can be generated by allowing an electric field to be concentrated at the fore distal end of the annular protecting portion (16).

Abstract: An air motor, a rotary atomizing head provided on a front side of the air motor to be rotatable by the air motor, external electrode units provided in a periphery of the rotary atomizing head, and a high-voltage applying unit that applies a high voltage to the external electrode units to indirectly charge paint particles atomized from the rotary atomizing head with the high voltage. A film cover is provided to be formed with a resin material in a film shape for covering an outer peripheral side of the air motor. The film cover includes a cylindrical rear cover that covers the rear side from the external electrode units and a cylindrical front cover that is mounted to the front side of the rear cover to cover the front side from the external electrode units.

Abstract: A method of forming a material structure from structural units contained within a liquid solution in a spray head is described. The liquid solution includes a solvent and a solute, the solute comprising a plurality of the structural units, the structural units including monomer units, oligomer units, or combinations thereof. The method comprises forming droplets of the liquid solution including the structural units, and spraying the droplets on a substrate, thereby substantially increasing the reactivity of the structural units within the droplets relative to the structural units within the liquid solution in the spray head. The increase in reactivity can result from the droplets containing an excess of a particular ion, the ion excess resulting from a voltage applied to conductive walls of the device which dispenses the droplets. The material structure is then formed on the substrate from the more highly reactive structural units within the droplets.

Abstract: A system, including an electrostatic spray system, including an electrostatic tool configured to spray a material with an electrostatic charge, and a target with a surface finish greater than or equal to a number 4 mirror finish configured to receive a material sprayed by the electrostatic tool.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer spray coating device, in certain embodiments, has a bell cup with a generally parabolic flow surface. This generally parabolic flow surface provides additional surface area for dehydration of coating fluids, thereby improving color matching as compared to traditional bell cups, for example, by affording capability for higher wet solids content. In addition, the coating fluid accelerates along the generally parabolic flow surface, resulting in the fluid leaving the bell cup at a greater velocity than in traditional bell cups. Furthermore, a splash plate disposed adjacent the bell cup, in certain embodiments, is designed such that fluid accelerates through an annular area between the splash plate and the generally parabolic flow surface.

Abstract: Provided is an electrostatic coating apparatus capable of insulating an electric motor electrically from a member, to which an electrostatic high voltage is applied, and reducing the size and weight of the electrostatic coating apparatus. This electrostatic coating apparatus comprises a rotary atomizing head, to which high voltage is electrostatically applied, an electrostatically grounded AC servomotor, and a spindle and a fixed insulating member for insulating the AC servomotor electrically from the rotary atomizing head and a speed-increasing device to be set at the same potential as that of the former. The spindle and the fixed insulating member have insulation distance enlarging portions and of the mode, in which the creepage insulation distances from the speed-increasing device to the AC servomotor are enlarged.

Abstract: Provided is an electrostatic coating apparatus capable of insulating an electric motor electrically from a member, to which an electrostatic high voltage is applied, and reducing the size and weight of the electrostatic coating apparatus. This electrostatic coating apparatus comprises a rotary atomizing head, to which high voltage is electrostatically applied, an electrostatically grounded AC servomotor, and a spindle and a fixed insulating member for insulating the AC servomotor electrically from the rotary atomizing head and a speed-increasing device to be set at the same potential as that of the former. The spindle and the fixed insulating member have insulation distance enlarging portions of the mode, in which the creepage insulation distances from the speed-increasing device to the AC servomotor are enlarged.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatuses and methods for applying a coating material to the collection surfaces of the stages after an impactor is assembled for use. The apparatuses and methods comprise generation of a multimodal droplet aerosol of liquid coating material and delivering it into the impactor. The coating substance improves the trapping of particles on the stages. The apparatuses and methods limit the total amount of coating material applied and confine it to the regions of particle impact opposite the stage orifices, thereby reducing the possibility of chemical interference when analyzing a test aerosol.

Abstract: Methods and systems for coating at least a portion of a medical device (e.g., a stent structure) include providing a plurality of coating particles (e.g., monodisperse coating particles) in a defined volume. For example, the particles may be provided using one or more nozzle structures, wherein each nozzle structure includes at least one opening terminating at a dispensing end. The plurality of coating particles may be provided in the defined volume by dispensing a plurality of microdroplets having an electrical charge associated therewith from the dispensing ends of the one or more nozzle structures through use of a nonuniform electrical field between the dispensing ends and the medical device. Electrical charge is concentrated on the particle as the microdroplet evaporates. With a plurality of coating particles provided in the defined volume, such particles can be moved towards at least one surface of the medical device to form a coating thereon (e.g.

Abstract: An electrostatic coating device (10) comprising a body defining to an interior chamber (13) communicating with the exterior by means of a first coating powder inlet conduit (14) and a second outlet conduit (15) for said powders, a plurality of electrodes (16) and one or more voltage generators (17) connected to said electrodes (16), wherein said electrodes (16) are positioned so as to generate an electrical field inside said second conduit (15).

Abstract: An atomizer including an air motor and a rotary atomizing head is mounted in a front side of a housing member, outer surfaces of which are covered in a cover member. Further, a high voltage discharge electrode assembly is provided around a front side of the housing member, with an outer periphery of the cover member circumvented by a blade ring of the high voltage discharge electrode assembly. An edge portion in the shape of a thin blade is provided at a projected rear end of the blade ring. Thus, an electric field is concentrated at the edge portion to induce a corona discharge on and around the entire blade ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to an application element (1) for a rotary sprayer, in particular in the form of a bell-shaped plate or a rotary disc, with an overflow surface (8) which, during the coating operation, rotates together with the application element (1) and is overflowed by a coating agent to be applied, and with a surface layer which is located on the overflow surface (8) and on which a thin coating agent film forms with a certain film thickness during operation, wherein boundary surface friction acts between the coating agent film and the surface layer. It is proposed that the surface layer reduces the boundary surface friction between the coating agent film and the overflow surface (8). Furthermore, the invention comprises an associated operating method.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun includes a power supply, an enclosure having a wall and a valve providing access through the wall to evacuate the enclosure. Components of the power supply are housed in the enclosure and subject to the atmosphere within the enclosure.

Abstract: Nanofibers are formed using electrospray deposition from microfluidic source. The source is brought close to a surface, and scanned in one embodiment to form oriented or patterned fibers. In one embodiment, the surface has features, such as trenches on a silicon wafer. In further embodiments, the surface is rotated to form patterned nanofibers, such as polymer nanofibers. The nanofibers may be used as a mask to create features, and as a sacrificial layer to create nanochannels.

Abstract: When conductive paint is coated by electrostatic coating, the electrostatic charging has many problems. The external electrode is prevailingly used in most of the electrostatic coating spray guns but has many problems in operability, safety, practical usability, etc. when the guns are designed compact. The electrostatic coating spray guns need to be improved in operability, safer with electrostatic charging at a lower voltage, and smaller in structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method or a system for coating substrates with at least one coating material which comprises at least one organic component, wherein the coating material is applied to the substrate by means of atomization and spray-painting. The invention is characterized in that the coating material is atomized by means of water vapor. The invention also relates to a system for coating substrates, wherein at least one nozzle arrangement (1) is provided in order to a atomize and spray the coating material onto a substrate, and at least one first supply device (8) which is used to prepare and supply the coating material to the nozzle arrangement (1), in addition to at least one second supply device (9) which is used to prepare and supply the steam as auxiliary gas to the nozzle arrangement (1).

Abstract: A coating machine having a coating material discharging mechanism for discharging a previously filled coating material under pressure to an atomizing mechanism wherein a coating material bag for filling a coating material is housed in a coating material discharging chamber of a predetermined volume and an inlet/exit port of an operating fluid is disposed for exerting a pressure from the outside of the coating material bag thereby discharging the coating material under pressure, while crushing the coating material bag, whereby paint or other coating material can be discharged under pressure reliably by a small driving force.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided whereby pumpable viscous fibrous material may be applied onto surfaces of high temperature process vessels while hot (i.e., while at or near such vessels' high operational temperatures of several hundreds up to several thousands of degrees Fahrenheit). More specifically, there are preferably provided a lance having a nozzle structure at a distal end thereof, and a pump system for pumping a pumpable fibrous refractory material to the nozzle. The lance has a length sufficient to allow it to be inserted into the high temperature process vessel so that the nozzle structure is adjacent an area in need of repair while an operator holds a proximal end thereof outside the vessel.

Abstract: Described is a method and an apparatus for coating a plastic container, especially a PET bottle, and a conveying means therefor that permit, in a constructionally simple manner, an inexpensive and effective improvement of the barrier properties thereof. To this end, the container is provided on its outside with a liquid coating agent by at least one rotating atomizer, and the coating is subsequently dried.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for efficiently applying a test substance to a test unit by atomizing a solution or suspension of the test substance and electrostatically attracting the atomized droplets to the test unit. This apparatus and method can be used to apply small quantities of test substances to organisms such as plants or insects to assay their utility as crop protection agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a droplet comprises a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, a conductive elongate element, and a voltage source. The first conductive layer comprises a first hydrophobic surface. The second conductive layer comprises a hydrophilic surface facing the first hydrophobic surface. The second conductive layer is axially spaced from the first conductive layer to define a gap therebetween. The conductive medial element is disposed in the gap between the first and second conductive layers, and comprises a second hydrophobic surface. The voltage source communicates with the second conductive layer and the elongate element. By applying a voltage potential between the elongate element and the second conductive layer, droplets can be electrostatically actuated so as to move from the first conductive layer into contact with the second conductive layer. The apparatus is particularly useful in the synthesis of microarrays of biological, chemical, or biochemical samples.

Abstract: A system for applying a fluid coating onto a substrate includes forming a fluid wetting line by introducing a stream of fluid onto a first side of the substrate along a laterally disposed fluid-substrate contact area. An electrical force is created on the fluid from an electrical field (originating from electrical charges which are on the second side of the substrate) that is substantially at and downstream of the fluid wetting line. The electrical field can be generated by charges that have been transferred to the second side of the substrate from a remote charge generator.

Abstract: An electrostatic paint atomizer 15 at high voltage is supplied, via an isolating conveying line 2, with individual divided-off quantities of paint 21 which are enclosed between two pigs 18, 19. The conveyance from the loading station 3, to which a color changer 8 is connected, to the discharge station 5 at the other end of the conveying line 2 is carried out with the aid of a transport device 23 by means of a thrust medium (compressed air or insulating liquid), which also has the effect of discharging the paint in the discharge station 5. A reverse transport device 28 operating with compressed air is also used to transport the pair of pigs back to the charging station. The length L of the conveying line 2 between the loading station 3 and the discharge station 5, and the length l of the divided-off quantities of paint 21, are dimensioned such that the result is a sufficiently long isolating path L-l to avoid a voltage flashover from the high voltage area 16.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, for applying electrostatically charged particles of an edible coating material to a surface of a food product to be coated, incorporates a fluidizing hopper for containing the material. The hopper includes an agitating system including an agitator blade and lifting blades to stir and lift the material while air is forced through a microporous fluidizing plate into the material. The fluidized material is withdrawn from the hopper through a venturi pump and supplied to an application gun. The application gun includes a corona discharge through which the fluidized material is forced to create charged particles of the fluidized material. The fluidized particles are directed to a food product item to be coated. The quantity of coating material is predetermined and is precisely controlled by shutting off the air pressure supply to the venturi pump to avoid excessive overspray of the particles.

Abstract: A rotary atomizing head type coating system capable of multiple color changes in the course of a coating operation. A housing (12) with a coating machine (19) is mounted on a wrist portion (5) of a coating robot. Provided for the coating system are a plural number of feeder units (29) which serve as separate sources for a variety of paint colors and which each accommodate a paint valve (40) and a solvent valve (41). Through paint hoses (42) and solvent hoses (43), the respective feeder unit (29) are connected to paint supply lines (49) of different colors and a solvent supply line (52). In order to supply paint of different colors to the coating machine (19) during a coating operation, the feeder units (29) are selectively and replaceably loaded into the housing (12).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process as well as a device for deacidification of printed materials and paper products of all kinds, especially books. In order to avoid the so-called half-moon effect, i.e., an inadequate treatment caused by the narrow spaces between the individual book pages in the region of the book spine (7), with the invention the air jet, e.g., in the form of double jet consisting of an opening jet (10) and an active-substance jet (11), is so positioned relative to the book (1) that the active-substance jet and/or the opening jet enters essentially from one side (e.g., the bottom side) of the book (1) and exits at the opposite-lying side (e.g., the top side). Appropriately, the opening jet (10) as well as the active-substance jet (11) are inclined relative to the book spine (7). The active-substance jet (11) is moved relative to the book (1) by means of a swing arm (3).

Abstract: Apparatus for powder spray coating comprises means (4) for electrostatically-charging powder entrained in air, a conduit (6) for transporting the electrostatically charged powder from the charging means (4) to an internal chamber (12) in a spray head (8), the spray head (8) having at least one passage (16) from the internal chamber (12) to at least one nozzle (17) from which the powder is discharged, and a deflector (18) mounted externally of the spray head (8) and adjacent to the or each nozzle (17) to deflect the discharged powder into a flat spray pattern, the spray head (8) and the flat spray pattern being substantially symmetrical about a common longitudinal axis. The apparatus is particularly suitable for coating a large surface area, or a plurality of small objects hung in a planar array. Preferably multiple triboelectric type charging means (4) are used and a single pump is used to supply powder to the multiple charging means through a common distributor.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying a spacer material having a sprayer for spraying the spacer material; a charger for applying an electrical charge to the spacer material; and a device for imparting a potential to an electrode disposed in the rear of a plate for constituting a liquid crystal cell wherein the potential causes an electrical attraction to take place between the charged spacer material and the electrode.

Abstract: An electrostatic painting system for painting an object or article under corona discharge. The system comprises a spray gun which is formed at its tip end with annular air ejection opening through which air is ejected under pressure to atomize liquid paint ejected from a paint ejection opening formed at the tip end of the spray gun. An annular wire netting-like negative electrode is fixedly disposed at the tip end of the spray gun and located coaxially around the air ejection opening. The electrode functions to form an electrostatic field and a corona discharge field between the electrode and the object to be painted and to provide electric charge to the atomized paint, upon a high negative voltage being applied to the electrode.

Abstract: A spray device and method for the coating of objects with powder coating material. A high voltage electrode or several electrodes are located on only one side of the coating material stream in the vicinity of a spray orifice for electrostatically charging the coating material. A first flow of compressed air is directed over the electrodes to keep the coating material from accumulating on the electrode and to shape the envelope of the sprayed coating material. A second stream of compressed air is directed at the stream of coating material to counteract the deflection of the stream by the first flow and by the effects of the high voltage. Better coating efficiency (reduced loss of sprayed powder) is achieved than with electrodes arranged on both sides of the coating material stream.

Abstract: A rotary atomizing electrostatic coating apparatus includes a plurality of paint nozzles and a solvent nozzle. Each paint nozzle communicates uniquely with a respective paint source separate by respective paint passages which are pathwise separate from each other. In each paint passage, a respective paint valve is installed. When changing a painting color according to the present invention, the paint filling the operating paint nozzle and the paint passage connected thereto is not washed out by a washing solvent, so that the amount of paint wasted when changing the painting color is decreased to substantially zero and the working time period for changing the painting color is also shortened. A corresponding method of use of such an apparatus is also disclosed which reduces the amount of paint wasted and the amount of solvent used during a step of switching from a first paint to a second paint.

Abstract: A device for applying bronze or similar powder, particularly in a cigarette making machine, uses a corona discharge wire (36) or similar conductor maintained at high voltage to establish an electrostatic field which causes powder to be attracted to prepared adhesive patches on a paper web (14). Excess powder carried by the web is removed with the assistance of vibration, which may be produced by passing the web over an ultrasound device (44) or a pulsed air mover (102). Excess powder may also be removed by an air mover (152) directing a stream of air at the surface of the web carrying the powder.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying machine for coating product comprises a hollow insulative material beam disposed horizontally over objects to be coated and carrying at least one coating product sprayer. The beam encloses a plurality of coating product supply hoses for the sprayer(s). The interior of the hollow beam is divided longitudinally into at least two conduits separated by a common wall.

Abstract: A herein is a method of and an apparatus for electrostatically spray-coating a workpiece with electrically-conductive paint. The workpiece is first sprayed with the paint directly subjected to a high voltage from a rotatable atomizing type spray gun so as to electrostatically coat the work with the paint. Thereafter, cleaning liquid is supplied to a rotatable atomizing head through a line for washing after completion of the electrostatic spray coating process so as to clean the rotatable atomizing head. Further, after the rotatable atomizing head has been washed, the line is dried, and the next electrostatic spray coating process is carried out after the line has been dried. The spray gun includes an inner line as a path, for supplying the paint to the rotatable atomizing head, and an outer line as a path used for washing, for supplying the cleaning liquid used to wash the rotatable atomizing head.

Abstract: An electrospray coating head system for applying thin coating to a substrate comprising a slot or blade to meter a liquid onto a shaping structure which forces the liquid to have a single continuous and substantially constant radius of curvature around the shaping structure. A voltage applied to the liquid around the shaping structure causes the liquid to produce a series of filaments which are spatially and temporally fixed, the number of filaments being defined by a simple adjustment in the applied voltage. The filaments break up into a uniform mist of charge droplets and are driven to a substrate by electric fields to produce a coating.

Abstract: A coating is applied to a substrate by conveying the substrate past a number of liquid spraying nozzles (32) to which high voltage is applied to produce spray in the form of liquid ligaments which deposit as such, or in the form of droplets, on the substrate to form generally parallel tracks which merge with each other to produce a substantially uniform thickness coating. The nozzles (32) are operable in two modes: a normal spraying mode and a deflect mode in which the ligaments are deflected away from the substrate and towards a collector electrode (34). Operation of the nozzles (32) may be co-ordinated so that different formulations are deposited as separate panels in succession lengthwise of the substrate. The coating system is particularly suitable for coating multicoloured dyesheets for use in thermal transfer printing.

Abstract: A spray painting booth for electrostatically painting objects includes encapsulated electrically charged panels which are adapted to repel electrically charged paint particles that are produced by an electrostatic spray painting device. The electrostatic spray painting device is charged to a potential of 60,000 to 135,000 volts DC negative with respect to ground so that the resulting spray of paint particles is negatively charged. An object or article to be painted is disposed in the booth by a conveyor mechanism and is maintained at ground potential. The encapsulated, electrically charged panels or walls of the booth are charged to a potential of 30,000 volts DC negative with respect to ground by a power supply such that the panels are charged to a potential between the negative DC potential with respect to ground to which the spray paint device is charged and the ground potential of the article to be painted.